New rice varieties to transform agriculture

Pakistan’s rice sector is on the brink of a transformation with the introduction of innovative rice varieties that promise reduced costs and increased profits, said Caretaker Minister for National Food Security and Research, Kausar Abdullah Malik, at a workshop on Climate-Resilient High-Yielding and Quality Rice Development held at the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC) in Islamabad.

Organised by the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), the workshop unveiled recently approved rice varieties that boast high yields, disease resistance, and heat tolerance. What sets these varieties apart is their unique ability to self-pollinate, offering productivity comparable to hybrid rice. This breakthrough allows farmers to use the same seeds for subsequent seasons, reducing expenses and boosting profitability. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Food Security and Research, these groundbreaking rice varieties are expected to revolutionise Pakistan’s rice sector.

Malik lauded the efforts of scientists at the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology for their remarkable contributions and acknowledged the support provided by the Green Super Rice Phase-II project, executed by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2023.

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